This grocery tote uses dense single crochet, a separate gusset and long straps sewn down the outside of the bag. The construction spreads weight across the front and back panels instead of concentrating it at the top edge.
Pattern overview
- Skill level: Easy
- Finished size: 14 in / 35.5 cm wide × 12 in / 30.5 cm tall × 4 in / 10 cm deep
- Handle drop: About 11 in / 28 cm
- Construction: Two panels, one gusset and two reinforced straps
Materials
- 700 yd / 640 m worsted-weight cotton in deep blue-green
- 150 yd / 137 m worsted-weight cotton in cream
- 4.5 mm crochet hook
- Eight locking stitch markers
- Yarn needle and scissors
- Optional cotton fabric for lining
Gauge
15 sc and 16 rows measure 4 in / 10 cm. A dense gauge is important. If you can easily see daylight between stitches, reduce the hook size.
Abbreviations
- ch: chain
- sc: single crochet
- sl st: slip stitch
- st(s): stitch(es)
- RS / WS: right side / wrong side
Notes before you begin
- Ch 1 does not count as a stitch.
- The gusset can be adjusted by length; compare it to the panel edges before fastening off.
- Sew with relaxed tension so the panel edges do not gather.
Free grocery tote pattern
Front and back panels
With blue-green, ch 54.
Row 1: Sc in second ch and across. Turn. 53 sts.
Rows 2–48: Ch 1, sc across. Turn. 53 sts.
Fasten off. Make a second identical panel. Each panel should measure about 14 × 12 in / 35.5 × 30.5 cm.
Gusset
With blue-green, ch 16.
Row 1: Sc in second ch and across. Turn. 15 sts.
Continue in sc until the strip reaches from one top corner down the side, across the bottom and up the other side of a panel—about 40 in / 101.5 cm. For the stated gauge, this is approximately 160 rows. End after a WS row and leave a long sewing tail.
Join the gusset
Mark the center stitch of the panel bottom and the center row of the gusset. With wrong sides together, pin those points first. Then pin each lower corner and top edge.
Whipstitch the gusset to the front panel through both loops of the panel edge and one full row end of the gusset at a time. Repeat with the back panel. At each lower corner, place two sewing stitches into one gusset row so the corner turns without pulling.
Finish the top edge
Join blue-green at a side seam. Work sc evenly around the entire top, placing one stitch in each panel stitch and spacing stitches evenly across each gusset end. Join. Work two more rounds of sc and fasten off.
Make the load-bearing straps
With cream, ch 91.
Row 1: Sc in second ch and across. Turn. 90 sts.
Rows 2–6: Ch 1, sc across. Turn. 90 sts.
Fasten off with a long tail. Make a second strap.
Lay one strap on the front panel with its ends 4 in / 10 cm apart. Allow each end to extend 7 in / 18 cm down the outside of the bag. Pin carefully. Sew around each long edge and across the lower end, then sew an X near the bottom. Repeat on the back panel, matching placement.
For extra reinforcement, surface slip stitch along both long edges of each handle from the top of one attachment, around the handle and down the other attachment.
Finishing
Weave in ends and block the empty tote to shape. Test the bag first with folded towels, then gradually add weight. If the top edge stretches, add one round of slip stitch or install a lining.
Customize your tote
Make a narrower gusset by starting with fewer chains, or make a deeper tote with more. The gusset length should always match the two sides and bottom of a panel. A washable cotton lining will reduce stretch and prevent narrow items from pushing through the stitches.
Pattern check
- Front and back panels match exactly.
- The gusset lies flat around all three edges.
- Straps are centered and extend 7 in / 18 cm down the panels.
- Every strap end is sewn around its edge and crossed with an X.
- The bag is tested gradually before carrying groceries.
Common questions
Can I crochet the bag in one piece?
Yes, but the separate gusset gives a clearer rectangular base and makes the strap placement easier to reinforce.
How much weight can it carry?
That depends on yarn, gauge, seams and lining. Test your finished tote gradually and never rely on a handmade bag for dangerous or breakable loads.
